Digitimes' Siu Han and Alex Wolfgram say that Apple's next generation 9.7-inch iPad will reportedly use the same G/F2 (DITO) thin-film type touchscreen technology as the company's iPad mini, in order to make the device thinner and lighter, according to industry sources.

When the iPad with Retina display was released nearly a year ago, Apple took some crticism for it being slightly thicker, heavier, and hotter-running than the preceding iPad 2, with no greater computing performance or longer battery life from its nearly 50 percent bigger battery and twice as many cores in the SoC's graphics engine due to overhead imposed by the ultra-high resolution screen.

Some of that critique was muted with the 4th-Generation iPad release last October, in which the substantially higher performing Apple-designed A6X SoC replaced the A5X of the third-gen machine, but the form factor remained essentially identical save for Apple's proprietary Lightning hardware connector replacing the familiar iPod-era 30-pin connector used on previous iPads.

Siu and Wolfgram note that Apple's current 9.7-inch iPad models use a G/G touch screen structure. The sources said Apple's move to use DITO technology shows the company is looking to hone its competitive edge in the tablet category and that the company has more adequate supply of the technology compared to one-glass-solution (OGS) technology. They report that according to their industry insider sources, the supply chain for the next-generation 9.7-inch iPad will be similar to the iPad mini's, with Japan-based Nitto expected to supply thin-film materials and Nissha Printing touchscreen modules, Taiwan-based TPK will be responsible for the device's lamination, with LG Display (LGD) and Sharp providing panels.

Additionally, they note that upstream touchscreen providers are expected to be able to provide 4-5 million units a month throughout 2013 while DITO technology production yields are expected to be greatly improved.

It has also been rumored that Apple will shrink the full-size iPad's thickness, weight, and footprint by moving to a "marginless" design similar to the iPad mini.

Business Insider's Nicholas Carlson notes that Apple's latest iPad configuration with 128 GB of storage, is only $70 cheaper than the cheapest Macbook, and that to some people, that seems insane.

As your editor himself has noted many times, MacBooks, with their USB ports, keyboards, and mouse drivers, to say nothing of their support for real multitasking, multi-screened views, and user file system access, can do an awful lot more than any iPad.

However, Carlson cites New York tech startup expert Drew Breunig making the point that, as Apple highlighted in their 128 GB iPad press release on Tuesday, that the iPad continues to have a significant impact on the entrprise, with virtually all of the Fortune 500 and over 85 percent of the Global 500 currently deploying or testing iPad, and that Companies regularly utilizing large amounts of data such as 3D CAD files, X-rays, film edits, music tracks, project blueprints, training videos and service manuals all benefit from having a an iPad with greater depth of storage capacity.

But aside from practical considerations, Breunig thinks the biggest reason why the 128 GB iPad will be a robust seller for Apple with business users is because " This is the iPad Pro."

I expect he has a valid point, although on substance I remain firmly unconvinced that doubling its maximum storage capacity makes an iPad into a really satisfactory general purpose production platform substitute for a laptop - even a very small one like the entry-level 11-inch MacBook Air (albeit I would strongly suggest coughing up another hundred bucks for one with a 128 GB SSD - Ed.).

However, the cited relatively trivial $70 difference between the 128 GB iPad and base MacBook Air doesn't quite wash, as the $929 (Gulp!) iPad has 4G LTE cellular connectivity, and the $999 MacBook Air doesn't, so a fairer comparison would be with the $799 Wi-Fi iPad, so it's really $200.

iPad Pro? Much as I love my iPad, I don't think any iPad can legitimately lay claim to full 'Pro' device credentials. Strictly speaking, the MacBook Air doesn't make any "Pro" claim, but arguably it at least comes a lot closer to the mark.

Blogger Marco Arment says he's betting that an A5X-powered iPad mini with Retina display will be introduced by fall 2013, and he thinks that a recently rumored, larger-screened iPhone "phablet with a 4.94, 16:9 screen is also plausible as an additional model (not a replacement) to be released as a companion product to the iPhone 5.

Arment speculates that since the iPad mini uses iPhone 3GS-density screens at iPad resolution, so what if an iPhone Plus used Retina iPad screens with iPhone 5 resolution, keeping the rest of the design sized like an iPhone 5? That, he says, would calculate to a 640 x 1136, 264 DPI screen measuring 4.94-inches diagonally, and that by keeping the pixel resolutionthe same as with the iPhone 5, no app scaling or reconfiguration would be necessary.

The larger screen would of course be more cumbersome for one-handed use, Arment contends that two-handed use would actually be easier because touch targets would all be larger. Incentive for Apple to add a phablet would be that there's obvious and significant significant demand for larger-screened smartphones, with Samsung's Galaxy Note, selling robustly, especially outside of the United States, Arment noting that other large Android phones sell very well almost everywhere, while the iPhone has lost a significant number of sales due to buyers either wanting a larger screen or being drawn to how much better the large screens look in stores, which makes a 4.94-inch iPhone sound not so ridiculous after all, and of course customers who still want a pocketable, one-handed friendly phone could still opt for the iPhone 5

OtterBox has announced new patterns of its Defender Series cases featuring recently released Realtree Xtra and Xtra Green camouflage for the Apple iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy S III, to be available exclusively from OtterBox.com and select retail outlets. These designs allow hunting enthusiasts and amateurs alike to stay protected, connected and disguised during any pursuit.

The Defender Series with Realtree Xtra and Xtra Green camouflage also uphold the OtterBox high standard of protection against drop, bump, shock and scratch to ensure devices remain pristine. Featuring a built-in screen protector for the smartphone's touchscreen, sturdy polycarbonate shell to provide drop protection and a rigid silicone outer layer that keeps out dirt, dust and debris, the Defender Series is proven to provide reliable protection.

"Realtree Xtra and Xtra Green are effective in more habitats than any other camouflage pattern," OtterBox President and CEO Brian Thomas says. "Now with multi-layered rugged protection from OtterBox, the Defender Series is right there for every step of the hunt."

For more information on these new patterns or to view additional Realtree camouflage cases from OtterBox, visit: http://www.otterbox.com.

Other OtterBox Defender Series with Realtree Camouflage benefits and advantages include:

Environmental Protection:

 Drop and shock protection against drop, bump and shock

 Water protection not tested or recommended for water protection

 Dust intrusion dust does not enter in a sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of equipment

Realtree is claimed to be the world's leading camouflage designer, marketer and licensor with over 1,500 licensees utilizing the camouflage brand. Thousands of outdoor and lifestyle products are available in Realtree camouflage patterns.

In addition, Realtree is committed to supporting individuals and groups that work to ensure our outdoor heritage, the conservation of natural places and the wildlife that resides there. In fact, Realtree is one of the nation's leading contributors to conservation groups such as Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and others. They promote their products and relationships widely on television, as well as through their website and many other outlets.

Realtree Xtra and Xtra Green camouflage patterns are available exclusively from OtterBox for mobile handheld technology.

"Good things come in small packages," says the old adage. This Valentine's Day, what could be more fitting then a small red package that keeps users connected even when they're apart. For a limited time, consumers can purchase a jewel-tone red Limited Edition CLEAR Spot Voyager starting February 1.

"We understand that our customers' devices are often as much about staying up with the current trends as they are about staying connected," said Dow Draper, senior vice president and general manager of retail at Clearwire. "The new red Limited Edition CLEAR Spot Voyager is an obvious choice for those looking to make a statement and stand out for reasons beyond using one of the few truly unlimited1 4G products available today."

The number of red Limited Edition CLEAR Spot Voyagers may be limited, but data is not(1). The red hot personal hotspot delivers unlimited(1), on-the-go 4G internet and will outlast any red rose or heart-shaped box of chocolates. Be bold, and give the gift that keeps on giving.

The red Limited Edition CLEAR Spot Voyager is a personal mobile hotspot allowing users to easily and securely share unlimited1 internet access, simultaneously with up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices(2), including the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch(3), Windows 84 laptops, smartphones, and portable gaming devices, anywhere within CLEAR coverage. The CLEAR Spot Voyager is manufactured by Infomark and carries a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $49.99. The device is 2.6" square, weighs only 2.1 ounces, and runs on a rechargeable battery that provides up to six hours of continuous use.

CLEAR, the retail brand for Clearwire Corporation, runs on Clearwire's 4G network in approximately 80 cities across the U.S., in areas where more than 130 million people live. For more information about CLEAR, visit:http://www.clear.com

BlackBerry (formerly Research in Motion) provided a solid showing of its new BlackBerry 10 smartphones at Wednesday's launch party in New York City. New features include new gesture-based OS navigation controls, multi-app operation, multi-language support, and the next generation virtual keyboard – along with previously announced enterprise-centric features of BlackBerry Balance (work/personal profiles); BlackBerry World for Work (enterprise app store) and BlackBerry Hub (unified inbox and contacts). But RIM's future will require winning favor with both consumers and enterprise decision makers.

"BlackBerry needs strong backing from IT administrators," says enterprise practice director Dan Shey, "but it also needs enough consumers and more specifically, employees to choose BB10 over Android, Apple, and Windows smartphones. The BYOD trend is having a big influence on enterprise mobilization strategies."

BlackBerry is in a good position with enterprise but it is unknown if the multi-device support in the recently released BES10 can rival those of other MDM platforms. Consumer adoption is less predictable as it's highly dependent on positive perception toward BB10's usability, device performance, and application availability. Pricing and promotion will play a big role as well with consumers – again areas BlackBerry has less control of.

In the near term, BlackBerry will rely on an enterprise smartphone market that is still growing even in developed markets such as North America and Western Europe. Worldwide smartphone penetration at EOY 2012 among mobile business customers representing corporate liable and prosumer markets stands at 52%; among all employees it stands at 29%. BlackBerry smartphones currently hold a number 3 position in the enterprise market behind Android and Apple at number 1 and 2 respectively.

BlackBerry's long-term strategy was revealed early in the event by CEO Thorsten Heins in his comment that BlackBerry will enable the Internet of Things.

Shey adds, "M2M or the Internet of Things is the next frontier for mobile and wireless computing. BlackBerry's QNX platform is a fantastic starting point for a stake in this market, but BlackBerry can't fall behind in IoT as it did with touchscreen smartphones if it hopes to become a mobile computing platform company."

Smartphone OS market share across subscribers and shipments is provided in the market database of ABI Research's Enterprise Mobile Devices (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/service/enterprise-mobile-devices/) Research Service. The database also provides forecasts for enterprise media tablets. The Research Service includes report analysis of OEM and OS markets, technologies and systems. All data is provided for seven world regions and for the United States and Canada.